Starting today, Phoenix MarketCity will see a three-day music and dance festival, celebrating Madras Week. Featuring the likes of renowned dancer Rukmini Vijayakumar, Grammy-winning percussionist Vikku Vinayakram and popular playback singers like Ranjith, Saranya Srinivas and Aalaap Raju, the weekend promises a balance of light and classical sounds. Trained in Bharatanatyam, ballet, modern dance, contemporary jazz and tap, among others, Vijayakumar says, “Chennai is beautiful because there’s always something happening here culturally. It’s such an unassuming space and lets you be.” Theming her piece on Shiva and the city, the actor and model is set to perform a Bharatanatyam piece, ending with a contemporary act set to Vande Mataram. Vijayakumar hints that she will be making her debut in theatre next month at Museum Theatre, but keeps mum about further details. The Bengaluru-based actress also lets on that she has an interesting role in Mani Ratnam’s upcoming Katru Veliyidai. Meanwhile, with an interesting lineup of songs—including his popular hits like Ennamo Aedho, Theeye Theeye and a few independent numbers—singer and bass guitarist, Raju, is excited for his first-ever performance for Madras Week. “ Styles from Hindustani to western meet here effortlessly and almost all the stalwarts of the Indian music scene are here. So, for me, Chennai is all about music,” says the 37-year-old. Raju has quite a few Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam numbers and a few independent projects lined up for release in the coming months.
August 19-21. 7pm onward Details: 30083007